For those not in the know, 'Black Sails' is an American television drama series created by Jon Steinberg and Robert Levine for Starz that debuted on January 25, 2014.

The soundtrack for 'Black Sails,' a series about the Golden Age of Piracy, features some major league musical grit - and all original music by Emmy® Award-winning composer Bear McCreary.

To give you a vibe for what to musically expect, during the Golden Age of Piracy, the feared Captain Flint brings on a younger crew member as they fight for the survival of New Providence Island. According to the first episode, "In 1715, West Indies, the pirates of New Providence Island threaten maritime trade in the region. The laws of every civilized nation declare them hostis humani generis; enemies of all mankind. In response, the pirates adhere to a doctrine of their own...war against the world."

So, don't go being expecting some lighthearted musical fare here, me dears! Indeed, if you've ever enjoyed any of Bear's past musical works ('Rest Stop,' 'Defiance,' 'Battlestar Galactica,' etc.) it's a pretty good bet you know what you're in for here regardless. Let's put it this way, the man never puts a musical foot wrong in anything he lays his fingers to (in MHO, of course!)

Here for 'Black Sails' he incorporates a varied ensemble of a string quartet, guitar trio, hurdy-gurdy, accordion, mandolin, other assorted pipes, winds, guitars, percussion to come together in harmony. It's also been said that Bear actively encouraged an unusual amount of improvisation from his performers, but unless I speak to him personally I will never know if so; and if to what level.

Oh, and funnily enough, the CD has some really interesting liner notes that contains thoughts from both the executive producer and composer. Indeed, Bear himself writes/explains that he wanted the audience to have a "dirt under their fingernails" experience after having listened to his soundtrack!